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BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Manders backs Bermuda to hold their own

Gavin Manders believes the Bermuda team can hold their own at next month's Davis Cup in Bolivia.

Manders lost half of his baby toe and damaged ligaments in his right shoulder in a road accident last December.His team-mate Thomas recently returned to the courts after serving time in prison after a fatal road accident. He won the William Way Memorial Tournament earlier this month.Manders added: “It’s been a long process to get back to where I am right now, and just to be selected is something I didn’t think would be possible after my accident.“I’m coaching and training in Boston, and was selected based off my ranking and the high level of players I’m training with out here.“I have to thank coach Ricky (Mallory) for letting the selection committee know I'm ready and trusting in me to make sure I come back playing at a high enough level.“I definitely feel a sense of accomplishment being able to compete this year. There were days where I couldn't even walk the next day. My hard work is paying off and I can see my progress everyday.“It’s still going to take me a while to get back at full speed but my strokes are tuned in and my mind is stronger then ever. The accident showed me how much I really do love tennis, and how much I love to compete.“It also showed me how fast it can be taken away, so I'm going to love every minute I have out there and represent Bermuda to the best of my ability.”Bermuda will come up against Americas Group Three rivals Bahamas, Costa Rica, Cuba, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay and hosts Bolivia during the round-robin tournament, which will see participants divided into two pools.The eventual top two countries in each pool will play the runners-up from the other pool with the two victorious teams gaining promotion to Americas Group Two for 2014.The tournament will be held on clay surface at the Club de Tennis in La Paz, Bolivia through June 17-22.